Sue O (Smith) Alsup, 90, of Clayton, New Mexico, passed away April 10, 2020, at the Clayton Nursing Home with family members by her side.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico. The family suggests that memorials be made in Sue’s memory to the Northern New Mexico Food Bank. Donations are accepted at this link.
Born in Morley, Michigan to parents Velma and Robert Smith on June 18, 1929, Sue graduated as salutatorian from Houghton Lake High School in Michigan in 1947. She then moved, (on the flip of a coin), to Silver City, New Mexico, to attend the New Mexico State Teachers College, where she met Charles Alsup, a pre-law student, and WWII veteran. They married on June 6, 1949. Sue and Charlie moved to Clayton in 1953, where they fell in love with the town and its people, worked and raised their children, and made lifelong contributions to the community. Sue was, first and foremost, a wonderful mother and homemaker–cooking, cleaning, laughing, playing, scolding, creating, teaching–day in and day out with energy and positive affect that were truly amazing. All of these traits were extended to her many grandchildren, for whom she was the world’s best grandma. They all remember her favorite expression for every situation, whether excited, frustrated or puzzled, “Akaseema!!” Although a fine secretary for many years, first at the Junior High, and then at Charlie’s law office, Sue’s true passion was art. She was deeply involved in the Clayton Arts Council and worked hard to help produce the Clayton Arts Festival every year. She learned how to write grants for federal money, and established a summer art program for local children. Her watercolors are on exhibit in businesses across the Clayton area, and in many private homes. She studied with various artists and took classes as available well into her 70s. Family members all treasure the hand-painted cards she sent on special occasions, and the handmade quilts she produced for weddings and babies. Sue was tireless, curious, and unafraid to try almost anything. Always a fabulous cook, Sue realized a dream when she opened the Naschen Bakery in the 1980s. She was active in the Clayton Golf Club and served on the Hospital Auxiliary Board. She cultivated her friendships with bridge clubs and various other pursuits. She spearheaded family adventures in backpacking and skiing. She was involved with fund-raising to keep the Clayton Swimming Pool open. She made wine and reupholstered her furniture. She joined the astronomy club and published a book with her dear friend, Rhoda Leavitt. All the while providing a stable, wonderful home, keeping a successful garden, and building a rock wall around the home property with stones from all over the county!
Sue is survived by her loving husband and their six children: Jim and Tracy Alsup, of Portland, Oregon; Gary and Carrie Alsup, of Clayton, New Mexico; Brian and Kelly Alsup, also of Clayton; Rodney and Janet Alsup, of Delaware, Ohio; Jennifer and Kevin King, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and David and Lauren Alsup, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also survived by a loving friend, Katie King Alsup, twenty grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
